Hand cover apparatus and method of use

ABSTRACT

A hand cover apparatus used to protect a user and others from microorganisms where a hand cover can be connected and mounted to the user&#39;s garments, personal effects, or arm. When connected and mounted, the hand cover can be oriented in such a way as to allow rapid, one-handed insertion. As the user approaches a door or object, the user inserts his or her hand into the hand cover and reaches for the door handle to open the door or reaches for an object to manipulate it. This apparatus provides a physical barrier between a user&#39;s hand and a handle or object, and its use prevents the spread of microorganisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to gloves with retaining meansfor connecting the glove to the garment or the arm of the user, and morespecifically to a hand cover, after being treated with an antimicrobialagent, that is connected to, and accessibly mounted on, the user forimmediate hand insertion.

2. Description of Related Art

The use of a glove or other hand covering that is tethered or otherwiseconnected to the user for use in protecting the user's hands frommicroorganisms is known. DE102011101311B4 contemplates the use of ahygiene towel as a hand covering that is tethered to the garments of theuser and allows the user to avoid having the user's hand come intocontact with microorganisms on the surface of objects. However, thisinvention is limited in several critical ways. First, the inventionprovides no means for preventing the spread of microorganisms to theuser due to inadvertent contact with the outside of the hand cover.Second, the invention provides no means for preventing the spread ofmicroorganisms to others. Third, the invention provides no mechanism forrepelling microorganisms to allow for the sanitary reuse of theinvention. Fourth, the invention provides no mechanism for mounting orotherwise securing the apparatus to the user for immediate use. Finally,the invention is limited to manufacturing material for the towel to thinfabric, plastic, or latex.

Treating a glove or other hand covering with an antibacterial orantimicrobial solution is known. CN208259104U, US20170013831A1, andvarious other gloves are treated with such a solution. However, theseinventions do not provide a means for rapidly donning the glove for usein everyday activities nor contemplate everyday use.

The use of a hand cover made of a silicone-like material is known. U.S.Pat. No. 7,117,536B2 (“Silicone Grabber”) describes the manufacture anduse of a C-shaped hand cover with enhanced grip and that is heatresistant for use as an oven mitt. However, U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,536B2only gives general guidance for creating a barrier between the user'shand and a hot object. Additionally, the invention provides no mechanismfor preventing contamination of the hand cover or spreadingmicroorganisms.

The use of a magnet or a clip to affix a hand covering to the user'sgarments or personal effects is also known. US20160007722A1 andUS20130326789A1 employ such a system, but these inventions merelyprovide general guidance on mounting only.

Methods of rapidly removing gloves are also known. U.S. Pat. No.9,936,747B2 describes a method of removing gloves by swiping the handsdown over a vest to catch the gloves on an anchor and continue themotion to remove the user's hands from the glove. However, there is nomechanism for mounting the gloves for rapid insertion of the user's handinto the gloves nor a method of using the glove while it is connected tothe user.

None of the prevalent prior art solutions contemplate an apparatuswherein a tethered hand covering protects the user from microorganismson the surface of objects, protects the user from incidental contactwith the outside of the hand cover, and eliminates microorganisms withwhich it comes into contact, preventing the further spread ofmicroorganisms to both the user and others. Moreover, none of theprevalent prior art allows the user to touch and operate the screen of adevice, such as an automated teller machine, cellular phone, or tabletwhile wearing the hand cover. The prior art merely gives generalguidance for methods of connecting, mounting, or using a hand cover tocreate a barrier for the user's hand without consideration of protectingothers. Notably, the “Silicone Grabber” does not contemplate and, infact, teaches away from the hand cover coming into contact with anyobject other than a handle since there is no mechanism nor anyproperties of the hand cover that prevent the proliferation and spreadof microorganisms to protect both the user and others.

Therefore, there is a need for this apparatus, its method of use, andits means of retaining the hand cover.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises three major components: (1) a hand covertreated with an antimicrobial agent; (2) a means to connect the handcover to the user's garments or arm; and (3) a means to mount the handcover on the user's garments or arm.

In the preferred embodiment, said hand cover is similar to the “SiliconeGrabber” referenced above, in that it is ambidextrous, non-porous,resilient, and made from FDA-approved, food-grade silicone. The presentinvention improves the “Silicone Grabber” by infusing, duringmanufacture, or coating, after manufacture, the hand cover with anantimicrobial agent that imparts optimum broad-spectrum antimicrobialprotection.

Further, in the preferred embodiment, said hand cover can be connectedto the user's garments, personal effects, or arm as a means to retainthe hand cover and prevent the user from misplacing it. Moreover, in thepreferred embodiment, said hand cover can be accessibly mounted andoriented in such a way as to allow the user to insert his or her handinto the hand cover, without the use of the opposite hand, and opendoors, pull handles, or otherwise make contact with objects touched byothers.

When the present invention is utilized in the best mode of operation,the apparatus is accessibly mounted to the user's garments, personaleffects, or arm. The hand cover is connected, mounted, and oriented withthe opening facing up, to allow the user to insert his or her hand intothe hand cover (i.e., the point of insertion). Once the user's hand isinside the hand cover, the user reaches for a door handle and pulls thedoor open to walk through the door opening without making physicalcontact with the door handle.

Because the hand cover is connected to the retractable tether, once thedoor is open, the user retracts his or her hand back to the point ofinsertion and then rapidly remove the user's hand from the hand cover.

Through a two- or three-step process, the present invention allows theuser to insert his or her hand into a hand cover and then grab orotherwise touch objects without making physical contact with the object,preventing microorganisms from contacting the user, remaining on thesurface of the hand cover, or being spread to others by the user.

In another embodiment, said hand cover is made with a differentnonporous and nontoxic material.

In another embodiment, the finger pocket side of said hand cover isdivided into individual finger pockets to allow for increased dexterity.

In another embodiment, the ends of the finger pocket side of said handcover are made of material, or equipped with an accessory, device ormechanism, that allows the user to touch and operate the screen ofelectronic devices such as automated teller machines, cellular phones,and tablets, such as gripping material to allow the screen toappropriately respond to the user's touch while the user is wearing thehand cover.

In another embodiment, said hand cover is affixed to the user's wrist bya wristband or other similar item of wear.

In another embodiment, said hand cover is affixed to a lanyard hangingaround the user's neck.

In another embodiment, said hand cover is retained inside of a bag,pouch, or holster that is mounted to the user.

In another embodiment, said hand cover has only one finger receivingpocket and the thumb is free hanging or inserted into a band.

In another embodiment, said hand cover is in the shape of a flat ovenmitt.

In another embodiment, said hand cover utilizes magnets andferromagnetic material to mount the apparatus and prevent the hand coverfrom hanging loosely while affixed to the user.

In another embodiment, the finger pouch is replaced with a finger stand(similar to a PopSocket) or band affixed to the back of the user'scellular phone.

In another embodiment, a stylus is mounted to the end of the hand coverto allow the user to touch and operate the screen of an electronicdevice.

In another embodiment, the hand cover is disposable and pulled from apouch containing multiple hand covers affixed to the user.

In another embodiment, an ID badge or chip is contained within oraffixed to the hand cover.

Accordingly, it is the principle object of the present invention toprovide a means for connecting a hand cover to the user, accessiblymounting the hand cover on the user, and using the antimicrobial-treatedhand cover to create a barrier between the user's hand andmicroorganisms.

It is the further object of the present invention to use the apparatusto prevent the spread of microorganisms to either the user or others.

It is a further object of the present invention that the hand cover maybe manufactured using a material that provides similar benefit.

It is a further object of the present invention that the hand cover maybe mounted on the user without being tethered to the user.

It is further object of the present invention that the hand cover neednot cover the user's entire hand nor be C-shaped like the “SiliconeGrabber.”

It is a further object of the present invention that the hand cover maybe mounted along with other objects.

It is a further object of the present invention that the hand cover neednot have an enhanced grip nor be heat resistant.

A plethora of other advantages and features of the present inventionwill become readily apparent from the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing, as well as other objects and advantages of the invention,will become apparent from the following detailed description when takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like referencecharacters designate like parts throughout the several views, andwherein:

FIG. 1 shows the apparatus affixed to the lip of a user's pants pocketover the user's right leg, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 shows an underside view of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 shows one method of use for the apparatus, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows another but similar method of use for the apparatus,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the apparatus as the apparatus lays on itsside, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the apparatus as the apparatus lays on itsside, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the apparatus as the apparatus sits on itsbase, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows the front view apparatus affixed to a purse hung over theuser's right shoulder with a strap, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 shows the side view of the apparatus as in FIG. 8, according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows the apparatus with a magnet on the thumb side of the handcover, allowing the hand cover to be mounted to a substantially planarsurface, such as an ID badge holder, which is clipped to the lip of theuser's pocket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows the front view of the apparatus hung on the user's neckwith a lanyard, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows the right-side view of the apparatus as in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows the rear view of the apparatus as in FIGS. 11 and 12,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of FIGS. 11-13 where the apparatus isreversed but still hung on the user's neck with a lanyard, according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows the front right-side view of the apparatus where theapparatus is clipped to the lip of the user's pocket with the clip of atethering housing and mounted to a substantially planar surface using amagnet, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows the rear view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 15,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 15 and16, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of the apparatus as it stands on its base witha stylus affixed to the end of the finger side of the hand cover,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows a top view of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 18, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a side view of the apparatus with the thumb side affixedto the ferromagnetic face plate of a wristband where the face plate ison the back of the user's wrist, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 21 shows a side view of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 20 butrotated to the little finger side of the user's hand, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a side view of the apparatus retained in a pouch that isclipped to the user's pocket, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 23 shows a front view of the apparatus with the hand cover clippedto the user's pocket and mounted to a substantially planar surface.

FIG. 24 shows a rear view of the apparatus on the user's hand withfingers around the finger stand and thumb inserted into the thumb loopof the hand cover, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 shows a rear view of the apparatus on the user's hand as theuser employs the apparatus to pull on a door handle, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein indetail, a preferred and alternate embodiment of the invention. It shouldbe understood however that the present disclosure is to be considered anexemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intendedto limit the spirit and scope of the invention and/or claims of theembodiment illustrated.

FIG. 1 shows said apparatus affixed to a user's pants pocket over theuser's right leg. This figure shows a tether housing 2 clipped to thelip of the user's pants pocket 1. It shows the end of the tetherconnected through the hook and loop fastening system to the hand cover3. FIG. 2 shows an underside view of FIG. 1 and the same elements.

FIG. 3 shows the best modes of operation contemplated by the inventor.In the drawing, the user's hand has been inserted at the hand insertionpoint 4 of the hand cover 3, the user has pulled the hand cover 3,extending the tether 5 toward the door handle 6 of a sliding door. Thisallows the user to pull the sliding door open using the handle 6,without bringing the user's hand into direct contact with the handle 6.FIG. 4 shows another but similar mode of operation. In the drawing, theuser's hand has been inserted at the hand insertion point 4 of the handcover 3, the user has pulled the hand cover 3, extending the tether 5toward the door handle 6 of a door with a lever handle. This, again,allows the user to pull down on the lever and open the door, withoutbringing the user's hand into contact with the handle 6.

FIGS. 5-7 show three views of an embodiment of the apparatus while notin use. FIG. 5 shows a side view of the hand cover 3 as the hand cover 3lays on its side. The drawing shows the tether housing 2, the thumb side7 of the hand cover 3, and the finger pocket side 8 of the hand cover 3.FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the hand cover 3 as the hand cover 3 layson its side. The drawing shows the tether housing 2, the thumb side 7 ofthe hand cover 3, and the finger side 8 of the hand cover 3. FIG. 7shows a top view of the hand cover 3 as the hand cover 3 stands upright.The drawing shows the tether housing 2, the thumb side 7 of the handcover 3, and the finger side 8 of the hand cover 3. Additionally, itshows the insertion point for a hook and loop fastening system 9 orother fastening system.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a side and rear view, respectively, of the apparatusmounted to the user's purse 10 on the right side of the user's body,with the thumb side 7 of the hand cover 3 oriented toward and abuttingthe purse 10. FIG. 8 shows the apparatus mounted to a purse 10, thestrap 12 of which has been slung over the user's right shoulder. In thedrawing, the purse 10 hangs down by the user's right hip and theapparatus is affixed at the connection point 11 where a clip, such as aslip clip, has been used to mount the apparatus. FIG. 9 shows the purse10 hanging down by the user's right hip and the apparatus is mounted,again, at the connection point 11 with a clip such as a slip clip andoriented toward the rear portion of the user's right leg 13.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the apparatus where a magnet 15 hasbeen affixed to the thumb side 7 of the hand cover 3. The thumb side 7of the hand cover has been attached to a tether 5, housing of which isclipped to a substantially planar surface 16, such as an ID badge orbadge holder, with a ferromagnetic material 20 on the surface. Both theplanar surface 16 and the tether housing 2 are clipped to the lip of theuser's pocket 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11-14 show views of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.11 shows the front side view of the apparatus hung around the user'sneck with a lanyard 17 that has been clipped to a planar surface 16using a lanyard clip 18, where the hand cover 3 is connected to theplanar surface 16 with the finger pocket side 8 of the hand cover 3facing away from the use. FIG. 12 shows the right side view of theapparatus hung around the user's neck with a lanyard 17, connected bythe lanyard clip 18, where the hand cover 3 is affixed to thesubstantially planar surface 16 using a magnet 15 affixed to the thumbside 7 of the hand cover 3 with the finger side 8 facing away from theuser, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows the back-side view of the apparatus affixed to the planarsurface 16 and the magnet 15 shown in FIG. 12 connects to theferromagnetic material 20 affixed to the planar surface 16, according toan embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows an alternateembodiment of FIGS. 11-13 where the planar surface 16 sits in front ofthe hand cover 3 but the apparatus is still connected to the lanyard 17using a lanyard clip 18 connected through a hole 19, such as a badgehole. The apparatus is oriented to allow the user to display a badge orID, yet still rapidly access the hand cover 3 for use, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15-17 show views of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 15shows the front view of the apparatus where the apparatus is clipped tothe lip of the user's pocket 1 with the clip of the tether housing 2,and both the hand cover 3 and tether housing 2 are magnetically affixedto a vertically-oriented planar surface 16 where the base of a fingerstand 21, such as a PopSocket, has a magnet affixed to the end of thefinger stand 21 and the finger stand 21 has been threaded through a holein the hand cover 3, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The use of the finger stand 21, though not essential, allowsfor flexibility to prevent tearing of the hand cover 3 and hasadditional adhesive material at the end that creates a strong bond withthe adhesive material on the back of the magnet 15. Additionally, thetop of the finger stand 21 is smooth enough to prevent friction on theback of the user's thumb, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 shows the rear view of the apparatus. In the drawing, the useremploys the clip 22 to mount the apparatus which is threaded through ahole in the planar surface 16 as well as the ferromagnetic material 20to connect the hand cover 3, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 17 shows a side view of the apparatus illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16. In the drawing, the tether housing 2, is used to mountthe apparatus and the magnet 15, which is attached to the end of thefinger stand 21, is attached to the planar surface 16, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show an embodiment of the apparatus with a stylus 24 atthe end of the hand cover 3. FIG. 18 shows a side view of the apparatusas it stands on its base with a stylus 24 affixed to the end of thefinger side 8 of the hand cover 3 and a magnet 15 on the thumb side 7.Though not essential, the hand cover 3 is equipped with an additionalhole 23 for hanging the apparatus while not in use, according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 shows a top view of theapparatus as it stands on its base with a stylus 24 affixed to the endof the finger side 7 of the hand cover 3 and a magnet 15 affixed to thethumb side 7, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show an embodiment of the present invention where theapparatus is mounted on the user's wrist. FIG. 20 shows a side view ofthe apparatus with a magnet 15 affixed to the thumb side 7 of the handcover 3 is magnetically connected to the face plate 25 of a wristband 26containing ferromagnetic material 20 where the face plate 25 is on theback of the user's wrist, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 21 shows a side view of the apparatus where thewristband 26 is rotated around the user's wrist to orient the face plate25 and align it with the user's little finger, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus where theapparatus is wholly contained within an open pouch 27 and the pouch 27is clipped to the lip of the user's pocket 1. The apparatus isconfigured as it is in FIGS. 10 and 15-17 where the thumb side 7 of thehand cover 3 magnetically connects to the planar surface 16 inside thepouch 27, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 23-25 show an embodiment of the apparatus where the hand cover 3is replaced by a flexible hand cover 29. FIG. 23 shows a front view ofthe apparatus with the hand cover 29 folded and clipped to the lip ofthe user's pocket 1 with the clip of the tether housing 2. The handcover 29 is equipped with a thumb loop 28 to allow the user to quicklyslip his or her hand down the hand cover 29 and insert his or her thumbthrough the thumb loop 28 and fingers around the finger stand 21 to usethe apparatus. In this drawing, the apparatus has been rotated 180degrees to show the underlying parts of the apparatus.

FIG. 24 shows a rear view of the apparatus on the user's right hand withfingers around the finger stand 21 and thumb inserted into the thumbloop 28 of the hand cover 29, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 25 shows a rear view of the apparatus on the user'sright hand as the user employs the apparatus to pull on a door handle 6with user's fingers around the finger stand 21, thumb inserted into thethumb loop 28, and the hand cover 29 making contact with the door handle6, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

While mechanisms for connecting and mounting the present invention havebeen described with reference to a magnet, clipping, a hook and loopfastening system, a lanyard, and a wristband, it is foreseen that anysuitable mechanism could be used in the present invention. Further,while the hand cover of the present invention is illustrated as that ofa C-shaped body with pockets for both the fingers and thumb of the user,it is foreseen that any suitable hand cover, hand protector, or glovecould be used in the present invention. Finally, the present inventionemploys a particular means of tethering the apparatus to the user,whether retractable or not, it is foreseen that any suitable tetheringsystem could be used in the present invention or not used at all.

It is to be understood that the embodiments herein described are merelyillustrative of the principles of the present invention. Variousmodifications may be made by those skilled in the art without partingfrom the spirit or scope of the claims which follow.

1. I claim a hand cover apparatus, and its method of use, comprising: ahand cover infused or coated with an antimicrobial agent; wherein saidhand cover can be connected to the user by tethering it to the user'sgarments, personal effects, or arm; wherein said apparatus can bemounted to the user's garments, personal effects, or arm; wherein saidhand cover remains open for immediate hand insertion when connected andmounted to the user's garments, personal effects, or arm; and whereinsaid hand cover can be oriented in such a way as to be immediatelyaccessible to hand insertion.
 2. I claim an apparatus and method of useaccording to claim 1 in which the hand cover is magnetically connectedto a substantially planar surface that can be mounted to the user'sgarments, personal effects, or arm.
 3. I claim an apparatus and methodof use according to claim 1 in which said hand cover is retained insideof an open pouch that can be mounted on the user's garments, personaleffects, or arm.
 4. I claim an apparatus and method of use according toclaim 1 in which said hand cover has a stylus attached to the of saidhand cover.